The Puducherry government has announced a stringent enforcement drive targeting minors operating motor vehicles, aiming to curb underage driving and enhance road safety. Under the new regulations, parents, guardians, or vehicle owners who permit minors to ride bikes or drive cars will face heavy financial penalties and criminal prosecution.
Penalties for Adults
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) D Divya stated that parents, guardians, or registered vehicle owners could be fined up to Rs 25,000. Alongside the financial penalty, the responsible adult faces a prison term of up to three years. Additionally, the driving license of the parent, guardian, or vehicle owner will be suspended, and the vehicle's registration may be cancelled for 12 months.
Consequences for Minor Drivers
Minors caught operating a vehicle will be immediately intercepted and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. As a long-term deterrent, the minor will be legally disqualified from obtaining a driving license until they reach the age of 25.
Background of the Crackdown
The crackdown follows a surge in underage driving cases. In May 2026, Puducherry traffic police registered 226 violations involving minor drivers. Parents and guardians were summoned to regional traffic police stations for mandatory counselling, where officers briefed them on the life-threatening risks of underage driving and severe legal consequences under amended motor vehicle laws, issuing strict warnings against repeat offences.
